What happens to your brain during Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra may feel like a restful nap, but your brain is doing something pretty incredible behind the scenes. As you relax, your brain shifts through different states -- starting in alpha (a calm, alert state), moving into theta (associated with creativity and deep meditation), and even reaching delta (the slow, deep waves of sleep). But here's the twist: unlike regular sleep, you stay consciously aware the whole time.
This unique brain activity helps quiet the part of the mind that causes overthinking and mental noise. It's like hitting the reset button for your brain, bringing you to a place of deep peace, clarity, and calm without needing to fall asleep. Some studies even show that this kind of rest can be more rejuvenating than a nap, especially when practiced regularly.
How Yoga Nidra Helps with Stress, Trauma, and Burnout
Yoga Nidra is more than just a relaxing practice -- it can be deeply healing. Because it helps calm your nervous system and guide your brain into restful states, it's especially powerful for people who are dealing with anxiety, stress, emotional overwhelm, or even past trauma.
In fact, some therapists and wellness professionals use Yoga Nidra with clients who are recovering from PTSD, burnout, or chronic stress. Studies show that regular practice can lower anxiety and depression, improve sleep, and help people feel more emotionally balanced. It gives your body and mind a safe space to rest, process, and begin to heal, without having to talk or think your way through it.
Why It Heals: The Brainwave-Body Connection
During Yoga Nidra, the brain transitions through a progression of brainwave states -- moving from alpha into theta and sometimes into delta, which mirrors the slow-wave sleep state. Remarkably, this all happens while maintaining conscious awareness, unlike conventional sleep. This shift in brain activity helps quiet the mind's Default Mode Network (DMN), reducing mental chatter and overthinking. At the same time, Yoga Nidra activates the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the body's "rest-and-digest" response. This combination supports deep relaxation, emotional regulation, and healing. Research also shows that increased alpha and beta wave activity during Yoga Nidra correlates with elevated mood, reduced fatigue, and enhanced focus, offering both immediate calm and long-term nervous system resilience.
Join our Monthly Yoga Nidra Group
Curious to experience these shifts firsthand? Starting this September, our monthly Yoga Nidra group meets one Sunday each month at 10am. Each session includes a relaxing, gentle stretch to release physical tension, followed by a 45- to 60-minute guided Yoga Nidra meditation. Each session will end with tea and conversation.
This group is eligible for full or partial coverage by CareFirst insurance, and Evolve members and current yoga clients receive additional discounts.
Come discover how your brain heals and restores through stillness! Learn more on our website, or call our office at (410)989-2034 to reserve your spot.